Brigade 2002

Ten intrepid folks gathered in Miami to board the plane to Managua on June 27, 2002. Two from Chicago and two from New Orleans joined six from Oklahoma City to complete the group. Our gathering went smoothly and we arrived in Managua early enough in the evening to settle in and find dinner. Since the airlines no longer feed travelers, we were hungry. This time we had several experienced workers and several new ones. Amy Lesniewski from Las Vegas and her brother Ed Beach from Chicago flew in from New Orleans where they had been on a family cruise. The level of dedication and service must be very high to break away from a cruise for a medical mission. John Paul Brennan and his daughter Sarah Brennan had been recruited by Ed Beach. From Oklahoma City, we had a new couple, Dr. Bill Matter and his wife, Donna Matter. We had another experienced brigadista, Kevin Pargeter. He had recruited another premedical student from University of Central Oklahoma, Keri Smith. Another recruit, Barbara McCain, a professor from Oklahoma City University completed the roster. The first few hours were spent with the old salts telling the new recruits what to expect. Our planned travels were different than usual. We were going to stay in Esteli and venture out to the mountains each day to small communities for clinics. During the next few days we would see and treat an incredible 1,459 patients (plus a few more each day who escaped the count).

El Dragon, (the dragon) was our road home for this week. It was spacious and air conditioned if we were moving fast enough. The frontal statement says a lot and we were glad to have that support. "God Is All You Need" demonstrates the feeling characteristic of the folks in Nicaragua. They have a deep reliance on God to fill their needs. As we whip around the narrow streets and highways, we are glad to have that comfort. It is frequently best to avoid looking at the traffic. Our driver was the father of Eduardo, who had driven us before several times. He owned this and other busses and was proud of his work.

Amy and Bill stand in front of a sign greeting us to San Diego, a small pueblo outside of Esteli. Each pueblo we visited had signs similar to this one with words of welcome. They were aware that Manos Juntas and FUNDECI were partners in this mission. We passed Las Vegas to get to San Diego. I guess that makes pretty good geographic sense. The clinic rooms were quite adequate this trip. Each pueblo went out of the way to have good facilities ready for us.

Barbara McCain and Amy Lesniewski hold a treasured object (at least treasured by the folks who made it). The women of the community brought some of their handicrafts to sell us between seeing the patients. Judging by their smiles, the bargains were fun to examine. The spot on Barbara's cheek is not a tropical affliction. I think that idea was borrowed form Oklahoma. Little stickers popped up here and there to add to the joviality. Both of these women worked rapidly and helped to carry the clinic as we treated far too many people each day.

Signs of welcome greeted us at each stop. The people of the communities were warm and well prepared for the clinics. The systems utilized varied in each place depending upon the location. We frequently used schools and simply had to move things around to make it work. The pharmacy was always the most difficult to arrange. We had pre-written labels for the common medications. That seemed to help a lot. Ed Beach was a seasoned veteran and Kevin Pargeter had one year's experience. Barbara and Norma Matter were quick to learn and absolutely magnificent in organizational skills. Amy did everything to make things happen.

Carolina relaxes in a rocker while the drug sales folks prepare our order. Solka is a good operation with high quality controls and careful preparation. The choice of medicines may be a bit limited, so we plan carefully and bring many things with us. We buy all generics to save money and stretch the resources as far as possible. Some of the medications are less expensive here and some there, so we align the purchases with the most efficacy per dollar. This usually means we buy parasite medication there and cough syrups. We buy antibiotics here and such things as ibuprofen here. We do not attempt to treat diabetes or hypertension because of the chronic nature of therapy.

This family demonstrates the characteristic dress of the Nicaraguense. The colorful pinafore is both attractive and cool. Tee shirts are very common and have all sorts of decorative sayings. Many of them (if not most) are given by other brigadistas from previous trips. Most of the words are in English and represent United States companies or ideas. The facial expression represents childhood shyness rather than sadness. The home made dress of the mother has the popular colorful prints and may be replicated in many ways as we look around.

These lovelies prepared lunch for us and were proud of the food. Notice the teenager has garb very much like that we see in Oklahoma. The gap between jeans and tee shirt is a part of globalization efforts, I suppose. At least, I see it every where I go. Since they have no winter there, it is OK for year round wear. Jeans are always in vogue, but most women sew their own clothing, so colorful dresses predominate.

This charmer is cute beyond words. Her hair is carefully pulled up and clipped on the sides. When I told her we called that style "doggie ears" she knew I had lost my marbles and/or was just plain lying. But she laughed until I pulled out my camera, then she clamped her mouth shut just like my daughters used to do.

Looks as if Amy is trying to get Ed to spring for some valuable piece of merchandise. Barbara and Keri Smith study the merchandise in the background. I think Keri picked up some pretty good stuff here. She is a good shopper.

For the camera the women hold up stuff they have made. Colorful is a word that is used frequently. It seems everyone in Nicaragua is an artist or a poet. They are proud of the birds of Nicaragua and especially proud of the flowers. Hours may be spent in preparation of these handicrafts. The sewing is usually by hand, but some have machines to assist in making clothing. Quilting is popular. Purses and simple bags offer the best value for tourists.

	My goodness, look at these brave girls. Actually, the way they grab each other's hands gives away the fact that they are scared to relax. But the one boy was a hero. He just stood high and grinned! There was a lot of pushing and shoving in an effort to have the best position.
Consternation is everywhere now. The boy has hurt some feelings and wants to be alone in a photo. The girls can not decide whether to push him aside or try to convince me to put them central. I love the faces they present. The level of poverty is such that one would forgive them if they never smiled, but that is not the case. They are warm and loving. Smiles come often as they play child's games.

	We have now negotiated a semblance of position and power. Another boy joins for just a few seconds. The girls can not decide how to cope. They seem just like all children everywhere. Poverty and neglect do not destroy the ability to laugh and have fun. They quarrel with each other just like kids in Oklahoma.
This chiquita is very beautiful and yet mysterious. She smiles but not freely. I think she is just a tad suspicious of my intentions. The funny looking camera could be a doctor's trick to get a shot to her. After all, everyone knows doctors do stuff like that to take advantage of little girls.

Amy whips them into shape for one group photo. The little girl in front is now holding the hand of the mischievous boy who appears subdued. They always seem to respond better to Amy than to me. She can make them do anything. I think she must bribe them to be so cooperative. How charming they appear to be!

This is their response to me. Amy gets respect and I get the tongue stuck out in defiance. They look so young and beautiful and innocent. What does not show is that their teeth are rotten and broken off. Their bellies are swollen due to protein malnutrition. Parasites are gnawing away at their stomachs and taking food away from them before it does them any good. They will have babies by the time they are 13 or 14. By the time they are 25 they will look and be old. Many will not live to even have babies. Frequently the tonsils in these children are as big as golf balls and full of infection.